mamiya 7 users going to buy new fuji?

[Doug]

This thread is good for suppressing GAS, thanks. Any of us who foolishly buy this overpriced toy will be roundly criticized and the photos too. If in need of a folder just get a Super Ikonta instead, same thing, really, eh. 🙂

 

[Gary E]

At this price it really is hard to justify purchasing and only if for it's significance of photography history. If it were under 2K, it would be an easier decision

 

[JanPB]

To many, an M7 is not among the most reliable or professional tools. It has electronic shutter and more electronics and automation. I could say from my perspective it is a toy for rich people who like Leica. Not really that great as user camera for photographers.

Its claim to fame is its 43mm lens. It's a very close derivative of Wild Aviogon and no other medium format camera in existence has something like that. Even Hasselblad uses a "mere" Biogon.

 

[Bob Michaels]

To many, an M7 is not among the most reliable or professional tools.

My Mamiya 7 has shown zero problems and never been to my friendly camera repairman in the five years I have used it constantly.

It has electronic shutter and more electronics and automation.

Yep, the shutter is very accurate. I just replace the battery when it is getting low and it works 100% of the time.

I could say from my perspective it is a toy for rich people who like Leica.

Actually I am neither rich, nor ever owned a Leica as I have never wanted one. I do own one Leica lens.

Not really that great as user camera for photographers.

I will just say my opinion as a long term Mamiya 7 user differs from yours.

 

[dazedgonebye]

I don't own a Mamiya 7, but thinking about the gf670 and where it would fit in my bag has me seriously considering a mamiya 7...if that makes any sense.

 

[dazedgonebye]

it kinda does, at the very least make you have to think doesnt it (emphasis on the MF)

perhaps a small 35mm scale focus and/or RF for ultra compact, if needed then slr (oly om1n my fav)

digital for web and pure indulgence no film costs, dslr for better

a old folder is a nice step up in resolution etc and takes up little space, very easy to carry around-limited one lens though....your ol s/balax does it but has issues with film counter, but you own it and it wouldnt cost a bomb to buy if you didnt

new bessa III is slightly bigger and heavier but still reasonably compact and portable--has light meter for ultimate simplicity and those that simply cant/wont learn to EV (about 4 stops on the light readings) but essentually takes place of old folder

mamyia 7 is bigger but has interchangable lenses, i would take my blad in place of the M7 (cos i dont have M7 anyway) but the mamiya has its advantages--in other words, it would perform much the same tasks...question is, is whether you can see yourself carring the Mamiya 7 around instead of the bessaIII

then onto the large formats...different story

Our minds (I won't say great) think alike.

The Mamiya has a huge price advantage. I could buy a used Mamiya w/80mm lens and 43mm lens for something near the price of the gs670. Size and convenience factors go to the gs670. Frankly, it’s also just too cool for words for someone like me that likes folders. On the other hand, if you take the lens off of the Mamiya, the camera and lens would fit nicely in my man-bag/murse/camera bag. The Mamiya also could potentially be my most used camera because of the 43mm lens. I could in fact dump most of my 35mm gear (retaining the Hexar AF for the occasional low light work).
Large format, as you say, is another matter. I’ve only recently put my toes in that water. I find it interesting and will keep playing with it, but honestly, it’s hard to justify the size/weight/expense since my output doesn’t demand all that much resolution.
In fact, if it weren’t for the slow lenses, the Mamiya seems to be the perfect system…on paper at least.

All this brought to mind because I considered the gs670 and therefore had to consider the alternatives.

 

[Toni Nikkanen]

I'm still scratching my head as to why this folder is not digital with a large version of Fuji's super-duper S5 Pro sensor.

Because then it would cost $10000 or more instead of the $2000-ish and people would be complaining even more about the price..

I personally would like a GF670 but I can't justify the price. Maybe in a few years on the second-hand market...

(My RF equipment is Mamiya7, 43+80mm, and Bessa R2A. A pocketable MF camera would be useful but not for $2000..)

 

[Toni Nikkanen]

That 6x6/6x7 switchability is something I wish Mamiya did , a Mamiya 7iii or whatever with minor refinements along with format selection ability. I would use the same body to shoot 6x6 slides for projection and printing, and 6x7 for printing.

 

[TJV]

This new folder seems pretty cool but the Mamiya 7 is obviously a better camera for me. It has a more rigid body - mine has taken an absolute thrashing and not a single thing has gone wrong with it. It has interchangeable lenses and an accurate, electronic shutter. I never use the built in light meter with my Mamiya 7ii as I find it useless. Would be much better if light was read through the lens but, frankly, if I shoot anything MF or otherwise on E6 I'd never trust an inbuilt meter anyway.

The only things I don't like about my M7ii are:
1:Battery dependent and no real warning I've noticed for low batteries.
2:Cheap plastic parts on the dials and switches (EV comp, on / off, multi exp etc,) don't inspire the greatest of confidence although they've never broken on me.
3:Slow(ish) lenses.

The new folder will be perfect for people who want a one lens, compact MF travel camera. For that it is perfect.

 

[mgd711]

The new folder will be perfect for people who want a one lens, compact MF travel camera. For that it is perfect.

If I wanted a compact MF travel camera I'd use my Super Baldalux!

The GF670 isn't that compact.

 

[TJV]

Haha, good point, but they don't make them anymore do they?

Must admit, I've always had a lust for a wide angle Plauble Makina. Wouldn't buy one now when I could get a 50mm or 43mm for the Mamiya, but still. If I saw one down at the local shop I'd probably ring the bank manager! These new folders perhaps fill this gap for some, all be it at a rather premium price even when compared to the vintage Plaubel prices.

If I wanted a compact MF travel camera I'd use my Super Baldalux!

The GF670 isn't that compact.

 

[furcafe]

I recently opted to go the (regular, not wide) Plaubel Makina route over both the Mamiya 7 & the new Fuji/Bessa, primarily because neither the Mamiya nor the Fuji/Bessa have glass faster than f/3.5-4. I also don't need the interchangeable lens capability of the 7.

Must admit, I've always had a lust for a wide angle Plauble Makina. Wouldn't buy one now when I could get a 50mm or 43mm for the Mamiya, but still. If I saw one down at the local shop I'd probably ring the bank manager! These new folders perhaps fill this gap for some, all be it at a rather premium price even when compared to the vintage Plaubel prices.

 

[jan normandale]

I don't feel compelled by a 6x7 at $2000. I wish it had been a 6x9 then I might have been interested.

 

[Turtle]

If you own a Mamiya 7 with only the 80mm lens and dont want other FLs, then I can imagine the GF670 possibly replacing the mamiya, but as it stands the two are totally different beasts with the GW being a smaller lighter, high performance camera with ONLY a 80mm lens. I own a Mamiya 7 system and would not find any real use for the new GW as my fave FL in 6x7 is 65mm... then 50mm, then 80, then 150!

 

[Turtle]

Nah. I love my 7II and 65/80/150 lenses (I plan to pick up a 50 also).

Make sure you do. It is incredible. I have a 43 on the way, but the 50mm is mind blowingly good and suspect the 43 will be for occasional specialist use as 21 is on 35mm. Just close down a stop and take a peek at the corners of the frame with the. Mine is a stronger performer than the 65, though I love the 65 FL.

You can pick up a grey 7II for less than $2k. It might not be built like a Leica (though the lenses most certainly are), but what else will record 35mm prime like detail on 6x7 across 6 FLs while hand holdable and a RF and weighing less than 1500g?

 

[narsuitus]

I would not consider trading my Fuji 6x7 rangefinder with a fixed normal lens and my Fuji 6x9 rangefinder with a fixed wide-angle lens for a Fuji gf670.

If I owned a Mamiya 7ii, I would not trade it for a Fuji f670.

However, I would not hesitate trading my two Fuji cameras for a Mamiya 7ii and two lenses.

Also, if I owned a Fuji gf670, I would not hesitate trading it for a Mamiya 7ii with a lens or two.

 

[emraphoto]

My Mamiya 7 has shown zero problems and never been to my friendly camera repairman in the five years I have used it constantly.



Yep, the shutter is very accurate. I just replace the battery when it is getting low and it works 100% of the time.



Actually I am neither rich, nor ever owned a Leica as I have never wanted one. I do own one Leica lens.



I will just say my opinion as a long term Mamiya 7 user differs from yours.

make that 2 differing opinions

 

[Mark A. Fisher]

I just ordered a new 65 for my M7II. Don't think I'll have any need for a Fuji. The M7II gives me big negatives and big smiles every time I use it!

Mark

 

[thegman]

@Gary E: If you mean under 2k USD, then it's $1799 at Calumet.

I really don't think the price is all that terrible, considering what you'd get for the same money elsewhere. Obviously you can compare to used cameras, but that's not comparing like with like.

 

[RayPA]

I wouldn't mind one, but too much $$ for a fixed lens MF camera. If it was in the $899 price range, I could convince myself to pull the trigger and get one. I have a 65 and an 80 for my M7 and I'm enjoying the flexibility. I also have a Rolleiflex that's got a faster lens. As much as I like the look and the idea, it's a tough sell for me.





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